Controversy? He’ll Let It Be

Paul McCartney will headline the Super Bowl halftime show on Feb. 6 as the NFL goes mainstream after the controversy over last February’s show.

“There’s nothing bigger than being asked to perform at the Super Bowl,” McCartney said. “We’re looking forward to rocking the millions at home and in the stadium.”

Last Feb. 1 at Houston’s Reliant Stadium, singer Justin Timberlake ripped off part of singer Janet Jackson’s outfit, exposing her right breast to a TV audience of about 90 million people.

CBS is protesting a Federal Communications Commission fine of $550,000 for the halftime show.

Clearly, the league has chosen to avoid such potential problems by signing the former Beatle. It will be McCartney’s second Super Bowl appearance. He also sang in the pregame show in New Orleans in 2002.

“We are extremely pleased to work again with Paul McCartney, one of the greatest musicians of our time, to create a memorable show,” said Steve Bornstein, the NFL’s executive vice president of media.

“As one of the world’s most beloved artists and incomparable live entertainers, Paul McCartney will deliver an inspirational performance.”

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New York Jet running back Curtis Martin became the second player in NFL history to begin his career with 10 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.

With an eight-yard run in the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns, Martin went past 1,000 yards this season and joined Hall of Famer Barry Sanders as the only players to accomplish the feat.

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Sunday’s key injuries:

Jamal Lewis, the 2003 NFL rushing champion, left in the first quarter of Baltimore’s victory over Dallas because of an ankle injury after gaining five yards in two carries. Third-string Raven running back Musa Smith broke his right leg while being tackled on a 12-yard run.

Cleveland quarterback Jeff Garcia didn’t play after halftime in a loss to the Jets after slightly separating his right shoulder. He will have an MRI exam today. Cleveland right tackle Ryan Tucker sprained his right knee in the third quarter and didn’t return.

The Rams lost three cornerbacks to injuries: starter Travis Fisher and backup DeJuan Groce to knee injuries in the first half, and backup Kevin Garrett to a concussion in the third quarter.

Pittsburgh wide receiver Plaxico Burress pulled his left hamstring in the second quarter at Cincinnati.

“He didn’t hear it pop, so that’s a good thing,” Coach Bill Cowher said.

Cowher wouldn’t speculate on whether Burress will be sidelined.